Are 18 Inch Deep Cabinets Right for Your Kitchen?
When designing your dream kitchen, one key decision is determining the right depth for your cabinets. Many homeowners opt for standard 25 inch deep base cabinets and 12 to 14 inch deep wall cabinets. The extra depth provides abundant storage space for everything from dishes to cookware. But shallower 18 inch deep cabinets are also an option, especially for small kitchens. Here's an in-depth look at what 18 inch deep cabinets are, their pros and cons, and whether they could be the right choice for your kitchen.
As their name implies, 18 inch deep base cabinets have a depth of just 18 inches. This makes them 7 inches slimmer than the typical 25 inch depth. While you sacrifice some storage space, the narrower footprint has benefits. Contents are stored within easy reach instead of deep back corners. This allows you to quickly grab ingredients while cooking or find spices when baking. The reduced depth also gives you more usable floorspace for islands, appliances, and prep areas.
What are the Benefits of 18 Inch Deep Cabinets?
One of the biggest perks of 18 inch deep cabinets is their accessibility. Contents stored in a slimmer cabinet are far easier to see than items shoved to the back of a deep 25 inch cabinet. Everything is displayed right at your fingertips, minimizing rummaging around shelves.
The shallower cabinets also create a light and open aesthetic. Gone is the bulky, closed-in look of bulky cabinetry dominating the kitchen. Instead, you get a sleek, modern appearance and improved traffic flow. This makes 18 inch depth cabinets ideal for small kitchens like galley layouts. You can reduce visual clutter and free up precious floorspace.
Downsides of 18 Inch Deep Cabinets
The narrower cabinet depth does come with some downsides. Primary is the reduced storage capacity compared to standard 25 inch base cabinets. While reaching contents is easier, each individual cabinet holds less. This means you may need additional cabinets or alternative storage solutions to have adequate space.
Organizing the 18 inch cabinet interiors can also prove challenging. Specialized storage systems like rollouts and tilt trays need to be shallower. Standard sizes likely won't fit properly. And because of the limited depth, dividers, shelves and other organizers quickly eat up cubic inches.
How Cabinet Depth Impacts Overall Kitchen Design
When designing your kitchen layout, cabinet depth affects more than just storage capacity. The size and placement of countertop appliances may depend on having enough clearance. Ovens, fridges, and even sinks come in standard depths that require factoring in.
For example, if you opt for 18 inch deep base cabinets below, you'll need to ensure your kitchen appliances can accommodate the shallow footprint. This often requires choosing slimmer appliance models. Coordinating cabinet and appliance depths is crucial for functionality.
Tips for Maximizing Shallow 18 Inch Cabinets
Fortunately, several design strategies can help you get the most from 18 inch deep cabinets. Choosing wall cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling provides ample additional space for storing dinnerware, serving platters and other items. For base cabinets, include rollouts, risers and other smart organizers to fully utilize the 18 inch depth.
Shelves that slide side to side let you access items pushed to the back. Drawers keep contents neatly arranged so you don't lose track of what's stored. Some people also opt to mix depths, using 18 inches only on lower cabinets while selecting deeper uppers.
At just 18 inches deep, these slimmer cabinets create an airier, modern look in kitchens compared to standard 25 inch depths. Contents are readily reachable. But the narrow footprint also equates to reduced storage capacity per cabinet. Carefully weighing the pros and cons of shallow versus deep cabinets is key in kitchen planning.
For small kitchens needing floorspace, 18 inch depth cabinets can be ideal. Their footprint makes room for islands and clear walkways. Just be prepared to supplement with additional storage solutions. With smart design strategies, shallower 18 inch cabinets can be perfectly workable to create your dream kitchen.